Beers and Burk-inis

Ryan says, "it's time to adopt the middle-eastern birkini."

Here's them. Here's me.

Fish!

I forgot to post last weekend that the boys finally got some much anticipated fish. Brady claims that he has always wanted some and we sold it to Mason as part of his birthday present. They love them and we all enjoy watching them. We think it looks like the fish are on vacation at a tropical resort!

Also, the HessTeamed ladies group sent me some lovely flowers as a welcoming. They are so pretty!

Malaysia Day at the Beach

We received our car on Wednesday and headed to the beach on Thursday afternoon. Penang was a four hour drive. In an unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads with questionable GPS routes our fearless leader pulled us in a little after 9pm.

It's a nice resort with beach access, pool with a water slide and kids Adventure Zone (indoor play area).

Friday is Malaysia Day. It's a holiday, so the kids are out of school and Ryan is off work. So, here we are for the next 3 days. Just what we needed a little time to relax.

Chinatown & Hard Rock Cafe

Over the weekend we ventured to Chinatown. We rode the train and walked until we couldn't walk anymore and lingered on way past lunchtime. We were all consumed with sights, sounds and smells of deals and questionable food.

Thankfully, Ryan knew how to get us something recognizable. So, we went on another trek to the Hard Rock Cafe. We rested our weary legs and quenched our thirsts. On Sunday's, they have free balloon animals for kids. It must have been a slow day because the boys came away with 3 each! Just more confirmation for Mason that he is "the cutest boy in Malaysia." (he gets a lot of attention from the locals, I think he gave himself this title)

Making Brownies

It's been raining every afternoon, so we took this opportunity to make some brownies. Yummy!

As it turns out, I can find all the groceries that I need and are accustomed to - it's just a matter of going to a few different stores. Now, if only I can remember which stores have what...

Grillin' and Chillin'

We headed out early this morning and purchased electronics. TVs, phones, blender, crock pot, vacuum cleaner, iron, coffee maker, ie. anything that plugs in - we got one. While Ryan was doing that, the boys and I picked out bed linens. Mattress pads, sheets, pillow cases, duvets and duvet covers, anything you sleep on - we got one. Whew! It's all to be delivered on Wednesday, so we spent a ton of money and have nothing to show for it, yet.

Then, all the boys got haircuts. The first in a month. They are looking pretty snappy.

It's a relief to have all of that done.

We came home and had a late, but mediocre lunch. Nothing tasted right. The boys were fine, but Ryan and I were not impressed with our homemade meal. We headed out to the pool and relaxed for a while. Relishing in all that we have accomplished. Ha!

Then, Ryan renewed our faith by grilling some chicken. It was delicious, alongside some BBQ beans, macaroni & cheese and a salad - it was the best meal we've had in 3 weeks. Yum! In one meal, it seemed like all our work and running around was worth it.

I've failed to mention it took nearly a week and a lot of waiting to get that gas bottle for the grill. We also were at the bank yesterday for an hour and a half just to open an account and apply for a credit card. We're getting there....

This is a four day weekend and the boys are enjoying some time off from work and school.

Here's a pic of the Grill Master!

Oh boy!

In two weeks I'll be the owner of a new pair of leopard print wedges. I hope they're cute and comfy. So many options, colors and styles. I was expecting something more primitive - like a brown leather sandal. But, these actually resemble something store bought, heels and all. I'll show pictures once they arrive.

It was a fun afternoon. I met some ladies that live around us, mostly Australians and British. It was so nice to talk and enjoy the moment. Good food and a little wine with lunch doesn't hurt either!

However, nothing gives you a twinge of panic quite like a little boy saying, "there's a Lego in my nose." WHAT?! "There's a Lego in my nose." It came out easily, thank goodness! Then the tears. Poor tender-hearted Mason had a good cry. I think he was embarrassed and a little scared.

Here's the evidence. Doesn't that look like it belongs up a nose?

Settling In

Well, I think we're settling into a routine and getting a bit more familiar with our new city.

My latest venture has been for bed linens. I'm really wishing I would have brought some over from the US. It seems all they use (or have) over here is fitted sheets and duvets. And, the duvets seem to run a little short on the sides. Ryan's stealing all my covers!

I found a set today that I really liked, but for the sheet, duvet cover (still need to buy the quilt insert) and 2 pillow cases it would be almost $1000! Yikes!
Where's a Bed, Bath and Beyond when you need one? Once this is purchased I think I'll be done with setting up the house.

My helper is working out well so far. The house is cleaner and looks and feels a lot better. It's also a really nice treat. I haven't done laundry or breakfast dishes all week! I managed to work out in our little gym today, too.

I've given the driver the day off tomorrow. I have been invited to a shoe party. Apparently, there's a man that comes around, measures your feet and makes hand-made shoes. It'll be a nice time to meet some other ladies in our complex and see what these shoes are all about. I'm also really looking forward to taking all day off from all these errands.

Our furniture is in the process of being ordered, so I think it should arrive in a few weeks.

I went to Ikea yesterday and bought a lot of kitchenware, glasses, storage stuff and rugs. Bring on the dinner party!

We have our driver until the end of August. I think I'll be sad to see him go now. It has made this a lot easier and I haven't had to worry about traffic or parking. He just drops me off, then picks me up. It does take some planning, but definitely has it's perks.

We are living in the tropics and it poured rain this afternoon. Brady's bus was an hour late. He said they were stuck in 3 traffic jams.

Brady and Mason send their love!

Bus Riders

Here's a pic of the boys on the bus. Mason did not want to go to school this morning, but was in a good mood by breakfast and ready to go once the bus got here.

I think they are both enjoying school and Brady will start some after school activities next month. He's excited about construction club and gymnastics.

Today, I had a successful trip to the grocery store and starting to feel a bit more at ease with all things Malaysia.

It's not a bad place to live, just different. And that "different", takes a little getting used to.

My maid started today. Her name is Mala. To use a Scottish term, she's a bit of a blether, which means she talks a lot. That's probably one of the reasons I liked her and think that she'll be sweet when babysitting the kids. (I hope!)

One for the grandma's

Here's the boys watching TV and waiting on daddy to get home from work.

The last few days I have spent furniture shopping and trying to figure out what to buy and what we need. Some stores open at 10, others 11 and some noon. Why? I don't know. To aggravate me, I'm sure.

I also went to the grocery store AGAIN, and Mason's bus dropped him off at 1:20. It's a lot to fit in to one day. The cable/Internet guys were here this afternoon and an electrician is coming tomorrow that should have been here yesterday. Ugh! It's exhausting!

In other news, I have a maid/helper starting next week. I have a feeling this could either make my life better or worse. Stay tuned!

Kohl's

I need to set the record straight - Kohl's gave us a refund on the pots and pans. My truly smooth-talking husband called them and calmly explained the situation. The manager offered for us to return the purchased ones and send us new ones. To which Ryan said, we would all spend more in shipping charges than what they are worth. So they agreed to credit my Kohl's charge card. Yeah! One of the many reasons I still love Kohl's and will go back there.

However, I used a coupon to buy them and then received Kohl's cash - which I promptly used. My total credit was $61.68. Not exactly what I thought I should have received, but it's better than some old used pots! Thanks, dear! Thanks, Kohls!

Life in KL

Two of the things we love best about our condo is the view and the pool.

Tuesday was Mason's first day of school and I attended a new parent PTA reception. The school is very welcoming and I met a few new folks as well.

Then, of course, I had to go to the grocery store AGAIN! I tried a new one- which was my first mistake. I was frantically searching for items for dinner when I turned around and realized that Manny our driver had followed me into the store. He was helping me look for the impossible and pushing the cart. I felt like a complete idiot. Good thing he's a quite guy, he didn't say anything or laugh too hard at me!

Before school started we went to a discovery center thing and had this goofy pic taken.

First Day of School (revisited)

Today is Mason's first day of school. He was excited and ready to go. He wanted to make sure that Brady was going to ride the bus with him and going to the same place.

They sit beside each other and were right upfront by the driver. Seatbelts securely fastened.

We are all still tired and overwhelmed with trying to get things figured out and sorted. Today's goal is to get into bed early, so the mornings can run a little smoother.

A friend once told me if you have the 3 C's - coffee, car and childcare- you can get a lot done in a day. Woohoo! Today is my day for all 3!

Sorry the pics are terrible. iPad + rushed + poor lighting.

Love to all!

First Day of School

Brady started 1st grade today. He wasn't too excited about school starting again. (Can you tell by the pictures?) But, he was fine once we got there.

Mason and I were up there for orientation and we saw Brady eating in the cantina. He was doing fine and all smiles. He's riding the bus home today which will be easier for all of us. Mason will start tomorrow and ride the bus with Brady. Yeah! A little more freedom should be good for everyone.

Lego Twin Towers

A Little Better

Friday was just as busy. We stored some luggage at Ryan's boss's house. We went to pick it up and talked to their cleaner. I asked if she knew anyone looking for work because I needed some help! She was very eager and said she could come on Saturday. Tomorrow!? Excellent! She could also bring a friend to help. Great!

In the afternoon we went to the school for orientation and meet the teacher. Busy, busy. I think we got it all done, just need to finalize bus arrangements.

On Saturday, our cleaners arrived. I had minimal cleaning supplies (something I should have brought). She walked to the store with me, which I never would have found, and picked out everything she needed. They cleaned from 10-3. I knew it was dirty but I didn't realize how bad. She mopped twice. And the kids feet are still black. At least it's a little better.

While they were here I went back to the grocery store for my big, stock the pantry run. They said they would deliver the same day as long as I bought before 4pm. Great! I loaded up my cart Texas-style. This small store never saw me coming. It took over an hour to read all the labels, figure everything out and I still only got half of what was on my list. No conveyer belts and very small checkout stands. It took forever! I told the gal, I need this delivered. I received a look of confusion. What!? I told her again, probably louder and slower so I knew she understood. It seems there was a problem with the tire on the delivery van. But, rest assured there was a young man that would (reluctantly) follow me. But I walked here?! He pushed the cart all the way through the park, across a major street and up to our condo entrance. It's really not that far, about a 10 minute walk. That was the longest 10 minutes of my life. But we made it. I got maybe a weeks worth of food for $300. Ouch!

When I got back, the cleaners were finishing up (yeah!) and she spotted our junked pots and pans. She asked if she could take them. She had a friend she would give them to. I thought about how fortunate we are. How much stuff we have and how others get buy with so little.


We are doing fine. We have each other and that's all we need. We'll get everything else figured out.

School starts tomorrow!

Moving In

I forgot how hard it is to move. There have been a lot of ups and downs over the last couple of days.

We checked out of the hotel and got our car and driver on Thursday. It took 2 trips from the hotel to get all of our bags. Then our air shipment arrived. The condo was a mess from new construction dust, cable/Internet drilling and general life in Malaysia (so I've been told).

Between the movers unpacking, the kids discovering their toys and trying to get the laundry started, it was chaos. And the dust and dirt just got covered up and pushed around.

There is a whole list of stuff I should have brought, things I wished I had and things I didn't need to bring. We brought way too many clothes and not enough hangers. Hopefully, a trip (or 2?) to Ikea will help solve this problem.

I told the driver we would unpack a little then make a run to the grocery store. I told him I would call him about 1:30 and we should be ready to go. When I called him there was something definitely lost in translation because he said he had gone to prayer. I was aware that I should have asked this before we made afternoon plans, but I forgot. I figured I'd give him an hour and I would call back.

In the meantime, we unpacked our brand new pots and pans only to find that the box contained someone else's used & scratched up pots. I was livid! The one thing I was excited about and would be able to use were someone else's trash. I was feeling really defeated. I needed to get the to store and not only buy groceries, but now cookware w/ the kids in tow.

One hour later...I saw that I had a missed call from the driver. Great, he must be ready. I got downstairs and found out that what he really said was "I'm already here" not "I'm at prayer." Poor guy waited an hour for us. Needless to say, I felt like a jerk. Not the first time I'll feel like a complete idiot, I'm sure.

We made it to the terribly small grocery store. It was late in the afternoon, incredible crowded and the kids were tired and we were all irritable. Which means they were going crazy. No cookware here. Head over to the store at the mall. Buys 3 pieces of cookware for the same price as my 13 piece set. Nice! We also needed a power strip for the TV. Done.

We get back to the condo, mason's asleep and we get it all carried in thanks to the driver.

As I'm putting up the groceries, brady is opening the power strip. I told him we were going to wait on daddy and don't plug anything in. It only took about 1 minute after that and I heard a loud pop. The wii was unpacked, plugged in and blown up. Talk about defeated.

Needless to say, it was a tough day. Cereal for dinner. It's just stuff, thank God no one was hurt. Serious lesson learned.